GAME REPORT

Candice Dupree exploded for 27 points and 12 rebounds and Angel McCoughtry added 23 points as Good Angels Kosice inflicted a first defeat, 72-61, on Rivas Ecopolis, in Group C of the EuroLeague Women.

Dupree shot 12 of 16 (75%) from the field and grabbed 11 boards on the defensive end in an outstanding individual effort as she played all 40 minutes.

McCoughtry was not far behind as she added eight rebounds.

But it was still a tough battle for Kosice as they could not bust open a tight game until the final four minutes.

Clara Bermejo Moreno made a pair of free throws to bring Rivas level at 58-58 with 3:42 to go.

But Katarina Hrickova hit straight back with a jump-shot and a lay-up before Dupree's jumper.

Bermejo-Moreno then made an old-fashioned three-point play to keep Rivas in it, but Kosice scored the final eight points of the game, capped by Dupree's jumper two seconds from time, to secure the win.

Crystal Langhorne led Rivas with 22 points, while Bermejo-Moreno had 10.The win improves Kosice's record to 4-4.

COACH QUOTES

Štefan Svitek, Košice head coach:"I believed that we can to beat Madrid at home. It was a very balanced match, fight for every ball. Fortunately, we have managed to break the opponent's zone defense. The match was decided in the last quarter, we handled it and won."

Katarína Hricková, Košice player:"I am glad that I helped to win. We are pleased that we have prepared the first defeat of Madrid. The group is balanced, everyone can beat any."

Javier Fort, Rivas head coach: "We did not play a good match today, I do not know why. Kosice has been in the game since the beginning. They have stars like McCoughtry and Dupree, they took and that was the difference, which decide the match."

Catherine Joens, Rivas player:"It was a hard match, the home team was well prepared. We tried to do a good job, but sometimes you have to loose. I hope this defeat will be the last, we must prepare for the next match after christmas and remain confident."